Hydraulic power module

ABSTRACT

The hydraulic power module  10  consists of 1) a hydraulic manifold  12  to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) a hydraulic reservoir  14  that contains hydraulic fluid  16, 3) a hydraulic pump  18, 4) a DC servo motor  20, 5) a directional valve  22, 6) a cooling system  24  7) an integrated filter housing  26  and 8) electronics—motor control  28  for controlling the DC servo motor  20.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.61/229,298, filed Jul. 29. 2009, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Hydraulic power modules for controlling fluid dispensing and otherapparatus are well known.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to create a hydraulic power modulethat will drastically improve control, increase mechanical life, use asimplified design, reduce power consumption, reduce cooling requirementsand reduce noise levels.

The hydraulic power module of the instant invention consists of 1) ahydraulic manifold to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2) ahydraulic reservoir that contains hydraulic fluid, 3) a hydraulic pump,4) a DC servo motor, 5) a directional valve, 6) a cooling system and 7)an integrated filter housing 8) electronics—motor control forcontrolling the DC servo motor.

The hydraulic power module (HPM) works to supply hydraulic fluid to runa variety of configurations of hydraulic cylinder(s). The DC servo motoris directly coupled to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic manifold. Whenthe motor is spinning, the pump directs hydraulic fluid through themanifold, to the directional valve. The HPM signals the directionalvalve to divert flow to either side of a hydraulic cylinder. The HPM, inconjunction with a sensor (example: flow meter in the fluid line, alinear transducer associated with the hydraulic cylinder, etc.),provides hydraulic fluid at such a rate to accurately control thevelocity of a piston in a hydraulic cylinder. It can also hold theposition of the hydraulic cylinder piston stationary against an opposingforce. This results in an accurate flow rate or constant dynamic andstatic pressures.

There are a number of advantages to the system of the instant inventionsuch as dramatic increases in control by using a DC servo motor andmotor controller. Another result is improved system mechanical life inthat when no flow is required, all parts stop moving which can result inless wear.

The invention reduces hydraulic cooling requirements by allowing flow tostop when no flow is required.

The invention results in a simplified mechanical design compared totraditional AC power pack systems. The dynamic response of the HPMeliminates the need for accumulators.

The HPM control allows for full torque output at zero speed. This allowsthe system to respond almost instantly to requests for flow (no delaywhile pressure builds.)

The dynamic response of the HPM allows for compensation of systemvariations allowing the hydraulic power module to produce a moreconstant pressure and/or flow than traditional AC technology. The HPMcontrol allows for changes in pressure and flow without any mechanicaladjustment (pressure compensated pumps, dump valves, etc.) The HPMcontrols the motor torque, speed and position where a typical AC powerpack only controls speed resulting in improved control.

Noise levels are lower than traditional AC power pack designs. Thedesign and control lend itself to reduced power consumption. The systemwill only use energy on an as needed basis. Closed loop flow controlbased on a linear transducer provides equivalent control at a lower costpoint. The algorithm will work with any hydraulic pump. When newpressure and/or flow are required, simply replace the pump.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear morefully from the following description made in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to thesame or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view with the reservoir removed showing the pump of theHPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the HPM of the instant invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the fluid circuit of the HPM of theinstant invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The hydraulic power module 10 of the instant invention consists of 1) ahydraulic manifold 12 to route hydraulic fluid to the correct areas, 2)a hydraulic reservoir 14 that contains hydraulic fluid 16, 3) ahydraulic pump 18, 4) a DC servo motor 20, 5) a directional valve 22, 6)a cooling system 24 7) an integrated filter housing 26 and 8)electronics—motor control 28 for controlling the DC servo motor 20.

The hydraulic power module (HPM) 10 works to supply hydraulic fluid 16to run a variety of configurations of hydraulic cylinder(s) 30. The DCservo motor 20 is directly coupled to the hydraulic pump 18 via ahydraulic manifold 12. When the motor 20 is spinning, the pump 18directs hydraulic fluid 16 through the manifold 12, to the directionalvalve 22. The HPM 10 signals the directional valve 22 to divert flow toeither side of a hydraulic cylinder 30. The HPM 10, in conjunction witha sensor 32 (example: flow meter in the fluid line, a linear transducer34 associated with the hydraulic cylinder, etc.), provides hydraulicfluid 16 at such a rate to accurately control the velocity of a pistonin a hydraulic cylinder 30. It can also hold the position of thehydraulic cylinder 30 piston stationary against an opposing force. Thisresults in an accurate flow rate or constant dynamic and staticpressures.

It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made tothe hydraulic power module without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the following claims.

1. The hydraulic power module for controlling at least one hydrauliccylinder, said hydraulic cylinder comprising: a hydraulic manifold toroute hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic reservoir for containing hydraulicfluid; a hydraulic pump; a DC servo motor; a directional valve; acooling system; and a motor control for controlling said DC servo motor.2. The hydraulic power module of claim 1 and further comprising anintegrated filter housing.
 3. The hydraulic power module of claim 1wherein motor control is capable of holding pressure under conditions ofno flow without rotation of said motor.